Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Maserati has launched the NEW Alfieri concept

Maserati unveiled its new competitor of the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911 Challenger, the new model of Maserati Alfieri launched at Motor Show in Geneva.
0006-maserait-alfieri-concept-006-1


The new model, which is a replacement for the sports car GranTurismo, is named Alfieri Maserati after the one of the brothers who founded the company. Although the design is inspired by Maserati A6GCS– racing car from 1954, the manufacturer stressed that the concept is not nostalgic or retrospective in any case.
0009-maserait-alfieri-concept-009-1


Reference Links:
1) Article Source: NewSpeedCars

Friday, 20 March 2015

How to Restore Your Headlights

This is my first instructable, so I hope all goes well.

Headlights begin to fade over time, and there's no way around it. As your headlights fade, the amount of light that makes it out of the headlight becomes less, and before you know it, driving at night becomes difficult, but more importantly, dangerous. This is due to oxidation on the lens. Once oxidation begins to take place, it quickly degrades the headlight lens, because polycarbonate is a porous material.  Wet sanding (what we will be doing) helps to remove this oxidation and restore your headlights to a safer condition.


I have been restoring headlights now (mine and a few friends and family) for quite some time, and I feel that the knowledge should be passed to others. So without further adieu, let's get started.

What you will need:

-Shop Towels
-Sand Paper with values: 800, 1000, and 2000 grit.
-A Small Towel, Rag, or Microfiber Cloth
-3M Rubbing Compund
-Automotive Masking tape
-A Drill (corded or cordless)
-Compound Pad (Wool pad works as well), with drill adapter
-A Spray Bottle with Water
-Rubbing Alcohol
-A Small Measuring Cup (one you don't use for food)
-Minwax's Helmsman Spar Urethane : Clear Gloss.You need this specific kind.
-Odorless Mineral Spirits
-2 to 3 Hours put aside (depending on your attention to detail)
-Patience

Reference Links:
1) Article Source: Instructables
2) Purchase Head Lights at Low cost @ TheAutoPartsShop

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

Mercedes – AMG Vision Gran Turismo

New Concept of Mercedes – AMG Vision Gran Turismo

Mercedes – One of the leading German car-makers unveiled AMG Vision Gran Turismo. This was the concept of super powerful and super sports car – Mercedes – Amg Vision Gran Turismo, that is found within the famous video game console PlayStation.

The design of the car is characterized by extreme proportions and strong contours that highlight the brutal power of the V8 engine with 577 hp.
Recently, this car became a reality and it was presented to the Motor Show in Los Angeles.

But it was enough writing, see the below images and shocking video with full adrenaline and power.


Reference Links:
1) Article Source: Newspeedcars




Monday, 16 March 2015

BMW begins 'brainstorm' for next i model

Third member of low-emission family due post-2020

BMW is currently weighing which type of model will join its “i” family of low-emission vehicles, a top executive said, adding that the model would arrive after 2020.
“We are still in the strategic research phase where we brainstorm,” BMW Group r&d chief Klaus Froehlich told Automotive News Europe. “Teams that start with a white sheet of paper. They talk with customers, hold workshops, then present their ideas and we decide.”

Froehlich disputed media reports that claimed the third model after the i3 and i8 would be a variant of the X5 premium large SUV. He said the mission of the i subbrand is to change the perception of how a low-emissions car should look and perform, therefore there are no plans to re-package an existing BMW Group model and call it an i model.

Also, he said the i subbrand is supposed to be a starting point for cutting-edge innovation that progressively moves down into the rest of the automaker’s lineup. Current examples include carbon fiber, which is a key part of the i3 and i8 and is moving into other BMWs, and the i8’s plug-in hybrid powertrain, which is being added to high-volume models such as X5, 3 series and 4 series.

Better batteries
BMW will focus on steadily improving the i3 and i8 during the six-plus years until the subbrand’s portfolio grows again.
“We have a minimum 20 percent battery density improvement every three years, thus over the i3 and i8’s life cycle, we will offer more performance, more range or a combination of the two,” Frohlich said.

When asked whether current i3 and i8 owners would be able to switch to the more powerful electrical powertrains Froehlich said: “I don’t think a retrofit makes sense. When better batteries are available, we could then offer models with a longer range or with the same range but at a lower price.”
He added that replacing the batteries is very complex because they are integrated and bonded into the chassis.
Last year, BMW sold 16,052 i3s and 1,741 i8s.
You can reach Christiaan Hetzner at christiaan.hetzner@gmail.com.

Reference Links:
1) Article Source: Autonews
2) Purchase BMW Auto Parts at low cost at here

 

BMW wants to replace Z4, but it's not a high priority

GENEVA -- BMW hopes to launch a successor to the Z4 roadster by 2020, said Klaus Froehlich, who was named the automaker's development chief in December.


Development costs could be shared with Toyota as part of the companies' cooperation, which includes a common sports car architecture, collaboration on electrification and pooling of r&d on lightweight technology.
BMW is seeking a cost-effective way to update the car as global demand for two-seat roadsters and coupes declines.

"If you look at the volume ... we have to realize that these segments are shrinking," Froehlich said during the Geneva auto show.
U.S. sales of the Z4 last year fell 13 percent from 2013 to 2,151 cars. In Europe, sales declined 11 percent to 5,369, according to JATO Dynamics.
Froehlich added that car buyers in China "are not interested in roadsters."

So the replacement of the second-generation Z4, which debuted in 2009, is not a high priority. Asked about timing, Froehlich said: "I would like to see a Z4 successor in this decade."
You can reach Christiaan Hetzner at christiaan.hetzner@gmail.com.

Reference Links:
1) Article Source: Autonews
2) Purchase BMW Auto Parts at low cost at here

Sunday, 15 March 2015

The 2015 Best Cars for Families Awards

The 2015 Best Cars for Families are here! The awards recognize the cars, minivans and SUVs that offer families the safety, practicality and space they need, as well as the features, comfort and quality they want. The best family cars don’t feel like compromises. Instead, they keep everyone in the family safe, happy and comfortable mile after mile.
The 2015 Best Cars for Familes
U.S. News and World Report
[See the full list of the Best Family Cars]
The Best Cars for Families awards cover 19 different automotive classes, so there’s a winner that fits with your family’s lifestyle and budget. Many of the winners also have features that make family life a little easier, like proximity keys, drink coolers, automatic trunks and tailgates, remote start, rear-seat entertainment systems and one winner even has a built-in vacuum.
[Photo gallery of the 2015 Best Cars for Families]
An interesting twist in this year’s Best Cars for Families awards is that eight of the winners are also Best Cars for the Money award winners. The crossover between the two awards shows that a great family car can also be a great value, and saving money helps families.
Interested in a new family car? Check out the full list of the Best Cars for Families winners. When you’re ready to buy, use the U.S. News Best Price Program for guaranteed savings on your new vehicle. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Reference Links:
1) Article Source: US News
2)

Top 20 Best Selling Cars So Far In 2014



20. Ford Explorer

The ever-versatile Ford Explorer is the most popular three-row SUV for the first quarter of 2014, the only one in the top 20 best-selling vehicles this year. Buyers can choose between three engines and four individual trim levels, with the most powerful Sport model topping the list. A combination of sharp styling, good fuel economy, and plenty of options keeps buyers coming back.

  19. Nissan Rogue 

When redesigning the Rogue for 2014, Nissan set its sights on making sure the Rogue looked and drove like a "premium" vehicle. They got something right, because buyers are flocking to the attractive compact crossover in droves. With the ingenious Divide-N-Hide cargo system and a 15 percent increase in fuel efficiency, the Rogue may have the chops to pull ahead of its better-selling competition found in the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Honda CR-V by the end of the sales year.

18. Hyundai Sonata

The 2014 Hyundai Sonata offers attractive styling and a list of quality features that keep buyers behind the wheel. It may not be as sharp to drive or as quick as the sportier Optima offering from sister-company Kia, but the Sonata provides attractive features for those wanting something off the beaten path within the midsize segment.

17. Toyota Prius

As it always has been, the Toyota Prius is the undisputed leader in the hybrid segment. Its familiar design and approachable price keep it the crowd favorite for one more year. However, with the recent burst of hybrid and electric vehicles clogging the segment, the Prius has found some tough competition from the likes of Honda and Ford. The next-generation Prius is in the works, so expect higher sales once it hits showroom floors.




16. Hyundai Elantra

While not the most fun car to be found in the compact segment, the 2014 Hyundai Elantra makes up ground with its quality interior and attractive styling. The Elantra can be bought in two styles, the Coupe and the GT four-door hatch, with the hatch providing an impressive amount of interior space and storage. Buyers beware, however, as the real-world fuel economy does not quite line up with the EPA rating.

 

 15. Toyota RAV4

With the RAV4's clean-sheet redesign in 2013, its styling was toned down to match the rest of the segment. The redesign lost the familiar exterior mounted spare and the optional V-6 engine, but received much-needed major upgrades for the interior. Fans of the RAV4 may bemoan the loss of the more powerful engine, but when we compared the updated RAV4 with its competitors, we found the power to be more than adequate. Buyers seem to agree with the changes, as the RAV4 continues to stay on the best-seller list.

 

14. Chevrolet Equinox

The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox's success lies in its ability to cut the balance perfectly between small-car looks and fuel economy, but with the added space and utility found in a larger crossover SUV. It's more comfortable and usable than Chevrolet's larger offerings, and potential Equinox buyers should spring the extra $1500 for the newly upgraded optional V-6 engine, giving a necessary power bump over the underpowered base I-4 engine.

 

13. Ford Focus

Ford's sporty compact sedan finds itself on the best-sellers list for another year. Ford has made sure the Focus lineup is one of the most diverse in the market, offering every variation from an all-electric Focus to full-on performance hot hatch found in the Focus ST. Though most praise the Focus' styling and engaging drive, the MyTouch infotainment system has been labeled as confusing and clunky, perhaps providing reason to look elsewhere in the segment.

 

12. Chevrolet Cruze

It may lag behind the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, but enough buyers still find themselves in the slightly outdated Chevrolet Cruze to put it at No. 12 on the list. Buyers can look for the reveal of an updated Cruze in the coming months, which will hopefully resolve some issues we found with the current model. Cramped rear space and an unrefined optional diesel engine detract from what would be an overall good compact sedan.

 

11. Ford Escape

As with Ford's other strong seller, the Focus, the Ford Escape offers something for every need. Strong power from its available EcoBoost engines, the Escape is both fun-to-drive and easy on fuel, with 26 combined city/highway mpg in base trim. Tons of technology and accessories are available, including Ford's Sync infotainment system and the useful hands-free rear hatch. With so many features available, it's no wonder the Escape is the second best-selling compact crossover.

 

10. Honda CR-V 

The Honda CR-V is the best-selling compact crossover for 2014, now ahead of the Ford Escape. Plentiful power from an efficient 2.4-liter I-4 in front-wheel-drive guise returns a notable 26 mpg for combined city/highway, and with available all-wheel drive and an impressive 70.9 cubic feet of space with the rear seats down, the CR-V is still the stand-out offering in the compact crossover segment.

 

9. Ford Fusion

Though sales of the Ford Fusion have ebbed, the handsomely styled midsize sedan is still on the best-selling list, up three spots from the 2013. With four engines available for a number of tastes and budgets, the Fusion can be had with a range of four-cylinder engines: one entry-level naturally aspirated 1.6-liter, three EcoBoost options, and a range-topping hybrid option.

 

8. Honda Civic

With sales down slightly from last year, the Honda Civic boasts a slew of attractive standard features for 2014. Standard rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and an attractive LCD center-stack screen all contribute to the Civic's continuing popularity in the compact sedan segment, putting its sales above rivals from Chevrolet and Ford. Characteristically above-average handling and legendary Honda reliability keep the Civic a consistently worthy choice.

 

7. Toyota Corolla

 Redesigned for the 2014 model year, the Toyota Corolla is once again the compact sedan sales leader. While the recent redesign brought sharp styling and more attention-grabbing features than previous generations, the performance is still lukewarm when compared to its competition. Still, the majority of buyers in this segment are not preoccupied with performance figures, so sales remain strong.

 

6. Nissan Altima

 The attractive and sharp-driving Nissan Altima has found favor with buyers for another year, winning them over with high-quality interior materials, comfortable "zero gravity" seats, and an efficient base engine, with an EPA-rated 27/38 mpg. Buyers can follow the path of the larger Nissan Maxima and opt for the powerful V-6 engine if the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder is low on power. Not all is good, however, with the Altima's noticeably tight interior space, when compared to its competitors, and a clattery CVT transmission

 


5. Honda Accord

The Honda Accord, now in its ninth generation of production, has always enjoyed a spot high on the list of best-selling cars. Through its long lifespan, the Accord has often been the pick for enthusiasts looking for a sedan that is a balanced mix of fun-to-drive, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Honda has taken notice and has made sure the Accord remains one of the last midsize sedans available with a manual transmission.

 




4. Dodge Ram Series

The Ram has dropped one place on the best seller's list for this quarter, but the sales remain strong. Buyers are not the only ones finding favor with Ram, as the Ram EcoDiesel, featuring a powerful and refined turbodiesel V-6, is the first pickup truck to win the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award two years running. Combine this with a high towing capacity and a quality interior results in the Ram being a sales star for another year.

 

3. Toyota Camry


 For another year, Toyota claims the top sales in both compact and midsize segments. The midsize Toyota Camry seems to be slowly losing its lead, however, with quality rivals from Ford, Honda, and Nissan encroaching on its sales. Available in four-cylinder, V-6, or hybrid engine configurations, the Camry has adequate power and fuel efficiency for any budget. The completely updated and refreshed 2015 model is on its way to showroom floors toward the end of the sales year, so expect better deals and lagging sales on the outgoing 2014 model.

 

2. Chevrolet Silverado Series

 Though the Silverado lineup notched the second-highest sales for the first quarter of 2014, sales are lagging behind last year, perhaps due to buyers holding out for the upgraded Heavy Duty models to hit showroom floors. The Silverado lineup has an impressive line of available engines, ranging from an efficient V-6 (4.3 liter, 285 hp) and a group of efficient V-8s (5.3 liter, 355 hp; 6.2 liter, 420 hp) to a Heavy Duty V-8 (6.0 liter, 360 hp). The available 6.6-liter Duramax diesel churns out an incredible 765 lb-ft of torque.

 

1. Ford F-150 Series


For the first quarter in 2014, the Ford F-150 is once again the best-selling pickup truck for 37 years in a row, and the best-selling vehicle for the past 32 years. Sales are expected to take a slight dip, however, as potential customers wait for the all-new 2015 model to hit dealerships. The 2015 F-150 will feature an all-aluminum body and bed, the first for a pickup truck of this size. Engine options and cab configurations will still be plentiful, most likely leading the F-150 to another year at the top of the sales list.
 
Reference Links:
1) Article Source: Motortrend
2) Get all the Makes Spare parts @ TheAutoPartsShop
3) Repair your Old Cars @ USAautomotive